Mercheford House

Mercheford House Patient-focused GP Practice providing exceptional healthcare and diverse services.

03/04/2026

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your body and checking regularly can make a real difference. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and early detection is highly treatable. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about when it comes to your health, and getting checked early can save lives. 💙🩺✨

How to check:
• Check yourself once a month, ideally after a warm shower or bath 🛁✨
• Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb 🤲💙
• Get to know what feels normal for you 🧠✨

What to look out for:
• Any lumps or swelling 🩺⚠️
• Changes in size, shape or texture 📏✨
• A feeling of heaviness in the sc***um ⚖️💙
• A dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin 🤕✨

If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. 💙🩺✨

Learn how to check yourself: https://patient.info/features/mens-health/how-to-check-yourself-for-testicular-cancer
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/
Find support and information from Orchid: https://orchid-cancer.org.uk/testicular-cancer-3-2/testicular-cancer-support/

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨A simple 10 minu...
02/04/2026

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/H5WG50YAx2b
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/tSlU50YAx2m

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day. Eating ...
30/03/2026

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/80XO50YzB8N
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/VgjF50YzB8O
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/WHyt50YzB8U
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/aNxS50YzB8P

Don't forget! ⏰ The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.If your clocks don't update automatica...
28/03/2026

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your wei...
27/03/2026

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/6OuU50Yy8v3

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/l9hp50Yy8v7

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellb...
26/03/2026

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/HqA950YxZHe

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/9B6c50YxZHc
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/KLUw50YxZH5
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/3THH50YxZHX
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/TO8O50YxZHb
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/M2tH50YxZHV
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/ZvsM50YxZI4
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/sjRU50YxZHf

⏰ Reminder: Don’t miss out! ⏰Our FREE “Take Charge of Your Diabetes” online session is coming up soon!If you have type 2...
23/03/2026

⏰ Reminder: Don’t miss out! ⏰

Our FREE “Take Charge of Your Diabetes” online session is coming up soon!

If you have type 2 diabetes and want clear, practical tips to help you manage your health, this session is for you 💙

📅 Wednesday 25 March
⏰ 6pm – 7pm

Join us for friendly advice, simple lifestyle guidance, and a chance to ask your questions.

👉 Secure your place now: https://tinyurl.com/52rsu6u8

Spaces are filling up – book today!

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference. Sym...
23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

Meningitis Vaccination Enquiries – Important UpdateWe are currently receiving a high number of enquiries regarding menin...
20/03/2026

Meningitis Vaccination Enquiries – Important Update

We are currently receiving a high number of enquiries regarding meningitis vaccinations and whether children and teenagers are up to date, following recent reports of cases in the community.

We understand this may be a worrying time for families. However, the volume of enquiries is having a significant impact on our nursing and reception teams.

For general questions and advice, please contact the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) helpline:
📱 0344 225 386

Who can get the MenB vaccine from the GP practice?

GP practices are ONLY able to offer the MenB (Bexsero) vaccine to a specific, eligible group of patients linked to this outbreak.

You may be eligible if you have been contacted or advised by UKHSA, your school, or university, including:

Students from the University of Kent (including those who have now returned home)
Students in Canterbury who have been identified as close contacts
Individuals advised to take antibiotics as part of this outbreak response
Individuals who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5–16 March and have been contacted
Certain school or sixth-form students in affected settings

👉 You will usually have been directly contacted if you are eligible.

Important

We are not offering MenB vaccination to the general public at this time

There is no change to the routine UK meningitis vaccination schedule outside of this specific outbreak response

Private Vaccination

If parents wish their child or teenager to receive the MenB vaccine, this can be arranged privately through vaccination clinics, where charges will apply.

Reminder – Know the symptoms

Meningitis and sepsis can become serious quickly. Please seek urgent medical help if you or your child develops symptoms such as:

High temperature, vomiting, or severe headache
Neck stiffness or sensitivity to light
Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
A rash that does not fade when pressed

Thank you for your support in helping us prioritise patients who most need urgent care during this time.

💙 Take Charge of Your Diabetes 💙Do you have type 2 diabetes and want simple, realistic tips you can actually stick to? J...
20/03/2026

💙 Take Charge of Your Diabetes 💙

Do you have type 2 diabetes and want simple, realistic tips you can actually stick to? Join our FREE, friendly online session and learn how small changes can make a big difference.

📅 Wednesday 25 March
⏰ 6pm – 7pm

You’ll get practical advice on food, movement, daily routines, and how to protect your health – plus the chance to ask questions and share experiences.

👉 Reserve your spot today: https://tinyurl.com/52rsu6u8

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease a...
20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

Address

Mercheford House, 28 Elwyn Road
March
PE159BY

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+441354656841

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